THAT HURT! Ty Wigginton (left) collides with Josh Thole while trying to score in the eighth inning. Photo: AP

PHILADELPHIA — Josh Thole is expected back in New York today for evaluation after possibly suffering a concussion during a home-plate collision with Ty Wigginton in the Mets’ 5-2 victory over the Phillies last night.

Wigginton was attempting to score from third base on Freddy Galvis’ chopper to mound in the eighth inning. After Thole received Bobby Parnell’s throw, Wigginton lowered his left shoulder and made contact with the catcher’s head.

All indications are the Mets will place Thole on the seven-day disabled list for concussions and summon a catcher — either Rob Johnson or Lucas May — from Triple-A Buffalo before tonight’s game.

Mike Nickeas replaced Thole last night and delivered a key double in the team’s ninth-inning rally against Jonathan Papelbon.

Miguel Batista will try to prove he’s worthy of Mike Pelfrey’s spot in the rotation.

Chris Schwinden bombed in two chances, passing the baton to the 41-year-old Batista for tonight’s start against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The Mets will pray for results, with Batista perhaps the only immediate possibility for the spot other than untested rookie Jeremy Hefner. Pelfrey was lost for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last week.

“I think [Batista] is going to get a few chances to show us what he can do,” Collins said.

Though Chris Young is scheduled to make a rehab start for Class A St. Lucie on Thursday, the Mets aren’t planning on having the veteran right-hander, in his return from shoulder surgery, ready for at least another three weeks.

Andres Torres has reached base in all eight games he has played this season. His sixth-inning walk last night helped the Mets score two runs against Roy Halladay.

Collins doesn’t want Batista to think he is just a placeholder for Young.

“I don’t know when Chris is going to be ready,” Collins said. “If we get into a situation here where Miguel is pitching his brains out, that’s going to be a tough decision to make when the time comes.”